The CCI FRIEND project aims to become an important catalyst in the process of green and digital transformation of the cultural and creative industries (CCI) ecosystem in Europe by:

  • Forming and Developing a European Strategic Partnership: We stimulate collaboration between cluster organisations, encouraging the development and implementation of support measures for SMEs and facilitating the creation of links between different value chains.
  • Supporting SMEs in the CCI Ecosystem: We actively support SMEs in carrying out cross-cutting innovation projects, skills development and international expansion through both financial and non-financial support.
  • Strategic Coordination at EU level: We ensure effective strategic coordination of the CCI ecosystem at European level, promoting the integration of the needs of CCI stakeholders in the formulation of policies and strategies at European and regional level.

Funding Opportunity for SMEs

This initiative offers a unique opportunity to obtain funding of up to EUR 50,000.00, encouraging collaboration with SMEs in other ecosystems to develop product innovations and adopt new processes and technologies, thus accelerating the transition to a greener and digital economy. Through two planned calls, FRIEND CCI aims to fund a minimum of 21 and a maximum of 53 projects, supporting at least 42 companies in 10 European countries.

 
Budget available for SME funding: 1.076.000, 000 EUR
 
Funding is 100% and no co-financing is required. The minimum amount awarded for projects is €20,000 and the maximum amount is €50,000. Funding is granted only to projects developed in consortia of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 companies, associations, and organizations. 

Second call for proposals

The second call for funding was opened on 13 November 2023 and has an application deadline of just over 2 months. The budget of this funding call has remained at the same level as the first call and its objective is to stimulate creativity, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration within the creative-cultural sector. Each selected project can receive between €20,000 and €50,000 in funding. Projects requiring a larger budget for implementation may be co-financed by the applicant consortium.

This second call for FRIEND CCI funding is a call to action for all SMEs that dream to innovate and grow. It is an invitation to be part of a wider movement, a community of innovative thinkers that aims to shape the future of the creative-cultural sector at the European level.

Total budget available: EUR 538.000,00

The application process is designed to be as accessible and transparent as possible. All necessary information, including the call guide and relevant documentation, is available online at this link.

Results of the first call for proposals

The first call for proposals under the FRIEND CCI aimed to support SMEs in the development and implementation of innovative cross-sectoral projects focusing on the dual transition - green and digital. This process encouraged mutual innovation between SMEs from different ecosystems and their international expansion, facilitating access to global supply and value chains.

Under this call, 11 projects were designated winners, submitted by consortia of no less than 29 companies from 9 European countries. These figures show the increased interest in this sector, but also the profound impact of the programme on the creative-cultural ecosystem. The projects funded are innovative and will bring novelty to the fields in which they operate.

Total funded budget of the first call: EUR 538.000,00

See the winners of the first funding call here.

Become a service provider for winning projects

We are looking for service providers who can offer training in the areas of green and digital transition or internationalization services for SMEs. This Call is aimed at companies and entities, including training centers and consultants, that are interested in offering services to the creative and cultural industry, such as digitization, training, and consultancy services.

By registering the company or entity's services in the Clusters Submission Platform, the collaboration between providers and SMEs receiving funding for training and internationalization services through FRIEND KICs is facilitated.

Benefits for service providers:

  • Expanding activity in the creative and cultural sectors
  • Sharing expertise and building relationships with SMEs carrying out diverse activities
  • Obtaining service contracts for SMEs in other countries
  • Involvement in multiple projects winning funding through Friend CCI

Find out more about the call for service providers here. 

Involvement matters

The FRIEND CCI project is committed to engaging over 1000 SMEs across the EU, providing financial and non-financial support to at least 40 of them, in an effort to promote cross-cutting innovation projects that strengthen resilience and accelerate the digital transition.

Project Context

The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are one of the strategic pillars of European industry, contributing 3.95% of EU GDP. In the context of the major challenges posed by the pandemic, the sector urgently needs investment to recover and prevent future shocks. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the CCI sector in Europe, making up 99% of active businesses. They are inherently vulnerable and need reinforced support to strengthen their resilience and successfully navigate through current challenges.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union the European Innovation Council and the Executive Agency for SMEs (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.

Become a service provider for winning projects

We are looking for service providers who can offer training in the areas of green and digital transition or internationalisation services for SMEs. This Call is aimed at companies and entities, including training centres and consultants, that are interested in offering services to the creative and cultural industry, such as digitisation, training and consultancy services.

 

By registering the company or entity's services in the Clusters Submission Platform , collaboration between providers and SMEs receiving funding for training and internationalisation services through FRIEND KICs is facilitated.

 

 Benefits for service providers:

  • Expanding activity in the creative and cultural sectors
  • Sharing expertise and building relationships with SMEs carrying out diverse activities
  • Obtaining service contracts for SMEs in other countries
  • Involvement in multiple projects winning funding through Friend CCI


Find out more about the call for service providers here. 

 

Involvement matters

The FRIEND CCI project is committed to engaging over 1000 SMEs across the EU, providing financial and non-financial support to at least 40 of them, in an effort to promote cross-cutting innovation projects that strengthen resilience and accelerate the digital transition.

 

Project Context

The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are one of the strategic pillars of European industry, contributing 3.95% of EU GDP. In the context of the major challenges posed by the pandemic, the sector urgently needs investment to recover and prevent future shocks. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the CCI sector in Europe, making up 99% of active businesses. They are inherently vulnerable and need reinforced support to strengthen their resilience and successfully navigate through current challenges, including in the context of


The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and the Executive Agency for SMEs (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.